View "Learning with models" - a video podcast episode in which our team is joined by Ken Kahn (London Knowledge Lab and Oxford University), as they take a look at the future of educational models and simulations.

Learning about climate change

Project Title

Learning the Complexity of Scientific Knowledge about Climate Change with Computer Modelling and Visualization Technologies

Abstract

With the greater availability and power of computational media in the schools, it is now possible for students and teachers in science classes to use computer modelling and visualization technologies (MVT) that are similar to  or even same as  those used by professional scientists. Early research into how students might use MVT to construct understandings about scientific phenomena has been quite encouraging. However, as Stratford observed, a number of important research issues exist related to the pedagogical uses of MVT, such as what do students learn about scientific phenomena when making computer models or running simulations or how might modelling environments and simulations be best used in real classroom settings. This project will investigate these and related issues in the context of Australian schools using a current and clearly important target domain at the juncture of advanced science and societal relevance  climate change. There are four primary research questions this project will explore:

How can computer models and visualization tools be pedagogically designed for secondary science classes in order to help students understand the conceptual complexity of climate change and sustainable ecosystems?

How might students be able to access and use online data resources related to ecosystems and climate change as part of science inquiry activities involving computer models and visualization tools?

How might students be engaged in computer modelling activities (i.e., create their own models, not just use existing ones) as part of science inquiry activities related to climate change?

What challenges do teachers experience when integrating modelling and visualization tools and innovative pedagogies into their classes?